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Rahul Gandhi's jostling video sparks row; BJP says he disrespected DK Shivakumar
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00:00torn up and thrown away we are fighting together to restore democratic rule
00:09genuine democratic rule in this country the one method of expression of democracy
00:18was Jantar Mantar and now the government has decided that Jantar Mantar can no
00:24longer be used to express democratic feelings well we are going to challenge
00:31that idea it is not going to be so simple for the government to decide that
00:38the Indian people will not fight for their voice the people who have done
00:47this mr. Modi who is the main architect mr. Amit Shah
01:00who is the implementer mr. Gyanesh Kumar and others they need to understand that the
01:13net is closing around that it is not going to be so simple that you can destroy
01:23the Indian Constitution and get away with it
01:34yesterday you saw an expression not of the political party standing here but an
01:42expression of the people of India we were there but what happened yesterday could
01:49not have happened without the expression of the average citizen of this country
01:59non-political citizen of this country so the first thing as a group we would like
02:05to do is would like to thank the people of Delhi the people of India who stood with
02:13us against what is being done this is not about us this is about the people of India this is
02:23about
02:23the future of the people of India and we all of us together because we love you and we respect
02:30you
02:31the people of India who are going to fight to the end to restore democratic democratic process in this country
02:37and it is our
02:38commitment to you that the people who have done this mr. Modi mr. Shah mr. Gyanesh Kumar the lady who's
02:52hiding right now in
02:53Dera doon and others are going to be brought to justice I'd like to thank the press
03:02also because you also are playing a very important role in this you are showing a
03:06lot of courage so thank you very much
03:09uh
03:13yes
03:14yes
03:15yes
03:15yes
03:17yes
03:21last
03:21last
03:23I have said in the press conference, I used perseverance that this is our team, this is not going to
03:39stop.
03:41I asked what I want, this is my system, this is our team, this is our team, this is our
03:53team, this is our team, this is our team and we will help us.
03:57I can not tell you that you will be surprised and we want to make a place for you and
04:05the country
04:05to make a place, interesting and surprising. But I guarantee you that in the way that we
04:14all have mobilized, the energy, the power we have mobilized, the unity we have mobilized
04:22in India, we will all fight in that direction. Thank you.
04:29Supreme Court, sorry again, Supreme Court.
04:36We have extreme respect for the Supreme Court, for the Chief Justice of India, for the judicial
04:47system of India. They have a role to play. We hope they will play that role. But we are
04:56also political people. And no matter what happens, no matter which institution plays a role or
05:02does not play a role, political resistance will continue, people's resistance will continue
05:09and it will triumph. Thank you.
05:17The India blog joint briefing that's just culminated with Rahul Gandhi making it very clear that
05:23this is just the beginning. Their protests will continue. And as for future plans, he
05:28says, much like a movie, he can't reveal exactly what's going to happen next, that they're going
05:32to keep the surprise element, according to him, a secret and ensure that that's still alive,
05:38that there is a surprise element in every protest that they come up with.
05:41Also on the question of the Supreme Court, he says that look where political parties ultimately
05:46and we will approach every institution on the issue of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
05:51On the denotification of Jantar Mantra as a protest site, Rahul Gandhi is again said, nothing matters.
05:57We will challenge that decision, but we will continue our agitation irrespective of what decisions
06:02are taken. And this is a message of unity. Rahul Gandhi, along with, in fact, some of his colleagues
06:09from parliament, leaders from other political parties, you see the RJD, the left, the TNC,
06:15the NCPSP, all of them present there, just to name a few, all of them present there for this
06:21particular high tea that's taken place at Rahul Gandhi's residence and ending with all of them saying
06:27that we stand together right now to continue our fight against the CEC.
06:32What they've made very clear is that while today there's no protest plan, it will continue
06:36over the next few days. So what will tomorrow bring is anybody's guess.
06:40But Rahul Gandhi also saying that yesterday, the kind of numbers, the crowds that we saw
06:44was a clear indication of the people's support for the opposition's movement.
06:50So that's the India bloc meet that's come to an end with all of the leaders making it clear
06:56that their fight will continue against the CEC.
07:03Okay, let's move on here on Super 6 on India today. Our top focus this evening is on the
07:09Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay in Andhra Pradesh, who's just met, in fact, with Andhra Chief
07:15Minister Chandra Babu Naidu. And this is a very, very important meeting. Why? Because there's
07:20going to be a crucial discussion on river sharing. I'll get to those details in just a bit as we
07:26show
07:26you those images. I want to begin from where, in fact, Chief Minister Vijay touched down in Vijay
07:31Vada and visited the Kanaka Durga temple at an especially auspicious time considering
07:35it's Navaratri. But it was the massive welcome for Chief Minister Vijay that left a lot of
07:40people stunned. But keep in mind that Andhra Pradesh isn't new to star-sturned politicians.
07:45Remember Pawan Kalyan. Similarly for Vijay too, there's massive fanfare in Andhra Pradesh,
07:50evident in also the crowds that had gathered at the temple to catch a glimpse of Chief
07:55Minister Vijay. And right after that, after visiting the temple, he's sitting down to talk
08:01business with Andhra Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu. Why is this visit so important?
08:06Because in Tamil Nadu and in the other southern states, the issue of water, the issue of river
08:12linking, of water sharing has been a big, big bone of contention. Chief Minister Vijay and
08:18Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu are looking to bridge that gap, saying, look, healthy competition
08:23is one thing, but on the issue of water, this is something that we sit down and have a conversation
08:29over, which is welcoming to see that you've got these two heads of state, these two leaders
08:34deciding we're going to have a conversation and figure out the way forward. If Chief Minister Vijay
08:38does find a solution, what that will also mean ultimately is that, yes, you're going to see
08:45that decades-old cavalry dispute perhaps coming to an end with Karnataka. These are the images
08:50of when Andhra Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu and Nara Lokesh, the Minister, welcomed
08:56Chief Minister Vijay. Pramod Madhav is live with us. We'll also get Apoorva Jayachandran,
09:01who is reporting from Vijay Wada in just a bit. Pramod, take us through the significance of this visit.
09:06So what prompted it? You know, there's been so much talk of Chief Minister Vijay wanting
09:09to solve this water crisis, reaching out to Karnataka, and now Andhra Pradesh.
09:15It surely is, Akshita. Very clearly, we have to say that Tamil Nadu is definitely suffering
09:19without the necessary water that is required for the cultivation of the Samba and Kurve over here.
09:24And unfortunately, we're not getting the required water from the Karnataka hand. However,
09:28when it comes to Andhra, Andhra has definitely helped Tamil Nadu in the past days as well,
09:32especially with the Cauvery water, and they're expecting the water to be released from Karnataka.
09:36The Kandaleru project pretty soon. So before that, the Chief Minister has decided to go over there,
09:40accepting the invitation to take part at the Dashara events, and he also went, just like you mentioned,
09:44to the Kanagatagura Temple. And we were also told that quite a lot of MOUs are going to also see
09:48between a kind of friendly relationship between Andhra Pradesh government and Tamil Nadu government.
09:54And politically, also, this is becoming quite significant, considering Chief Minister Vijay has a good kind of friendship
09:59with the Kerala government, which is a Congress government, Karnataka government, Telangana government,
10:03and now he's also reaching towards the Andhra government as well, Lakshita.
10:07Let me bring in Apoorva Jayachandran. She's joining us live from Vijaywada.
10:11She's going to be joining us in just a few moments. In fact, right now, this meeting that's taking place
10:15is, if I'm not wrong, happening at Naidu's residence in Amaravati.
10:19And that tells you, really, that the Andhra Chief Minister is really banking on this particular meeting,
10:25leading to some headway in a project that he's been extremely passionate about, of river linking,
10:30saying the southern states shouldn't be fighting it out in the manner that we see constantly over water.
10:35And as we get you these images right now, this is from earlier this evening,
10:40when Chief Minister Vijay reached the Kanakadurga Temple, where you see huge crowds
10:44that had gathered across to catch a glimpse of him.
10:47Like I said, he's a huge star in Andhra, in Telangana as well.
10:51The Telugu states do love their superstars, so not surprising the kind of welcome that he got.
10:56But it will ultimately, and the big focus will be on what the big takeaways are.
11:01You can make that out also from the fact that Chief Minister Vijay has brought his top team of the
11:05Cabinet,
11:06whether it's Busi Anand, whether it's Adhavarjuna, to Vijaywada as well.
11:11So as, in fact, this meeting is happening, the focus is on the Godavari-Kaveri link.
11:16Both CMs have taken up the river-linking proposal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
11:21Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has sought national project status and faster implementation of the proposal.
11:27Listen in to what Naidu and Chief Minister Vijay have said previously.
14:40You're live right now.
14:41With more details of what's really happening in that particular meeting.
14:44Apoorva, first confirm for me whether you're in Amravati or Vijaywada and run us through
14:48the details that you're picking up or on the meeting.
14:51Is it still underway?
14:57In the way at Naidu's residence.
14:59So, what we are getting to learn is that the Anir Padesh Chief Minister, Nara Chandra Babunaidu, has very warmly
15:05welcomed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Joseph C. Vijay.
15:08In fact, he is also joined by IT Minister of Anir Padesh, Nara Lokesh, who also welcomed the Tamil Nadu
15:14Chief Minister, Joseph C. Vijay, as well.
15:16Interestingly enough, this will be an important meeting, Akshita, because if you see, this is related to the southern states.
15:22Already, Nara Padesh Chief Minister, Nara Chandra Babunaidu, has gone ahead and pitched for Australia to go down in Saveri
15:30water.
15:30Not only this, there will also be yet another important topic that will be discussed.
15:34Kurva, my apologies. We are having a bit of a problem there with your connection.
15:38We are going to reconnect with you.
15:40But once again, highlighting what makes this visit by Chief Minister Vijay to Andhra Pradesh so significant.
15:47And we begin from when, in fact, Chief Minister Vijay touched down in Vijayvada.
15:53Massive fanfare. Huge welcome there for the Chief Minister.
15:58And essentially telling you, and let's put out those pictures, please, once again, of the welcome for Chief Minister Vijay.
16:04The crowds who had gathered at the Kanaka Durga Temple to see the Chief Minister.
16:08He also indulged them, of course, waving to the crowds who had gathered.
16:12And so, once again, it gives you a sense of how popular the Chief Minister is in the Telugu states.
16:18Let's move on.
16:28All right, amid speculation of a cabinet reshuffle, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting,
16:34El Murugan has made a major decision.
16:36He's taken to social media to urge Prime Minister Modi to allow him to step down from the post of
16:43Union Minister
16:44and allow him to work in Tamil Nadu instead.
16:47Murugan has said, and I quote,
16:49Pradhan Mantriji, everything I've received from the party and from your leadership has deepened my sense of responsibility.
16:54And I must, I feel that I must now give more of myself to the work that first brought me
17:01into public life.
17:02With humility and a grateful heart, I therefore request you to relieve me of my responsibilities as Minister of State
17:07and permit me to even relinquish my membership of the Rajasabha,
17:11so that I may dedicate myself full time to strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu.
17:15So this is the big breaking news that's coming in El Murugan,
17:19who was in fact a Rajasabha MP, Union Minister,
17:23has now requested Prime Minister Modi saying that he wants to focus on Tamil Nadu.
17:28Remember that months ago in the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu,
17:31it contested from Avinashy and had lost in that particular seat.
17:34So he has attempted previously to focus on state elections,
17:38hasn't really tasted any success electorally.
17:40Rajasabha MP was a union minister, but now asking to be relieved of his responsibilities,
17:46saying I want to focus on strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
17:50And this, amid all of that buzz and chatter,
17:53that there could be a cabinet reshuffled very, very soon.
17:56Pramod Madhav is joining us with more details on this.
17:59Pramod, the big question is what's prompted this decision,
18:01whether El Murugan was asked to step aside and focus on Tamil Nadu,
18:06or whether he's chosen to make this move, perhaps considering the role of the Tamil Nadu BJP chief.
18:13Pramod Madhav, one thing I want to highlight is that like the person's El Murugan,
18:16you know, Minister of Union apparently has highlighted in this particular tweet.
18:20And one is Nitin Nabin and then we also have B.L. Santosh,
18:23who is considered to be the man who is behind the brain for BJP
18:26when it comes to the southern state especially.
18:28So it very clearly says like he wants to actually go back to his grassroots.
18:31What was the reason for him to come back to grassroots?
18:33That is a very important question considering now Anna Malai is not part of the BJP
18:37and he has his own visa leaders.
18:39And considering we are going to have the local body elections,
18:41we've just come to know that there are high chances of visa leaders
18:44who also participate in this local body elections.
18:47And then we have the TBK which has to battle.
18:49BJP has to battle TBK, DMK and it looks like even AI, ADMK
18:55considering that is also in two conditions right now, Akshita.
18:57And it was L. Murugan during his period close to four,
19:02the BJP got four MLA's in the state of Tamil Nadu.
19:05So it looks like keeping that in mind,
19:07probably there is high chance that L. Murugan can once again become the president as well.
19:11We're not exactly sure but it looks like everything is pointing towards the point right now, Akshita.
19:15Okay, so this is the big breaking news that's coming in right now.
19:24Union Minister L. Murugan offering right now to step down and saying,
19:30let me focus on the state of Tamil Nadu,
19:33saying please relieve me from my duties.
19:36There's been a lot of buzz of cabinet reshuffle.
19:38Is this in line with that?
19:41He's been the Tamil Nadu representative of sorts for the last many years in the union cabinet.
19:47Is that about to change?
19:48Will the Prime Minister now relieve him of his responsibilities as he desires?
19:53There'll be a lot of speculation on this.
19:54Thanks very much, Pramod, for those details for the moment.
20:00Let's move on.
20:01In the light of all the protests we've seen in the national capital over SIR,
20:05remember that the Congress Chief Ministers from the South have also been in Delhi part of these protests.
20:10And there's been a political controversy that's broken out
20:13over the manner in which D.K. Shiv Kumar was treated in the protest that took place yesterday.
20:19That footage is on your screens.
20:21Rahul Gandhi is walking.
20:22There's a sea of people.
20:24D.K. Shiv Kumar lands up in front of Rahul.
20:27The leader of opposition is seen grabbing D.K. Shiv Kumar, pushing him aside, pushing him behind him.
20:32And then D.K. Shiv Kumar gets swallowed by the crowd.
20:36This particular sequence, this footage of Rahul Gandhi dragging D.K. Shiv Kumar, pushing him behind,
20:42and then D.K. Shiv Kumar getting lost in the crowd, has led to the BJP in Karnataka,
20:48saying that the Chief Minister of Karnataka has been insulted by Rahul Gandhi.
20:54D.K. Shiv Kumar has now responded to that entire sequence.
20:58Speaking to India today, he says that none of what has been shown is true,
21:03that he wasn't pushed by Rahul Gandhi.
21:06Take a look at all the details.
21:21A fresh controversy has marred opposition's protest against CEC Gyanish Kumar.
21:28The spotlight is once again on leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi.
21:35During an opposition protest march in New Delhi, led by Rahul Gandhi,
21:39he appears to pull Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shiv Kumar behind as the leaders move through the crowd.
21:48D.K. is seen struggling to keep up in the crowd.
21:57In another clip, Rahul is seen elbowing and pushing his own party workers.
22:05The video clips that are now viral have sparked a major row.
22:10But D.K. has now rubbished all the allegations.
22:37The B.J.P. accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the Karnataka Chief Minister
22:42and insulting Karnataka pride.
22:45What we saw in Delhi is definitely a condemnable act by Rahul Gandhi,
22:51insulting a chief minister of Karnataka state.
22:55Probably Rahul Gandhi, the narrative he wants to set is,
22:59I can insult anybody.
23:01I'm the princess of this country.
23:05B.J.P. ally JDS has also attacked the Congress' top brass,
23:09speculating that Shiva Kumar will be removed from the chief minister post.
23:17That is the sign that he will be going to be pushed by Congress from his chief minister post.
23:26That is the beginning.
23:35On the other hand, Congress has rubbished all charges.
23:40Rahul Gandhi is a B.I.P., is a leader of the opposition.
23:45He has a different protocol for security reasons.
23:48That they have done.
23:50So in the process, whoever comes in the way,
23:53naturally they will push them across and see that the B.I.P. is protected.
23:59Protests in the national capital have turned into a fresh flashpoint
24:03over Rahul Gandhi's conduct and his equation with senior Congress leaders and party cadres.
24:12With Nagarjun, Dwarkhanath, Bureau Report, India Today.
24:19That video triggering a big, big storm in Karnataka.
24:23Joining me on this broadcast, the Karnataka BJP spokesperson, Prashant GS.
24:26Yes, we also have Syed Asad Abbas, political analyst.
24:30Abbas, I'd like to begin with you.
24:32First of all, good evening.
24:33I'm sure you've seen that footage.
24:34Did you deem it an insult to the Karnataka chief minister,
24:37the manner in which he was treated yesterday?
24:41Akshita Ji, I come from the beautiful land of Karnataka,
24:43the land of Lord Baswana and Kohenpo.
24:45And I can tell you, I can promise on these two great revolutionaries,
24:49and I tell you, there is absolutely no insult whatever.
24:53Let us understand, coming straight from DK's mouth, from the horse's mouth, he has said,
24:57Rahul Gandhi was indeed concerning towards him, asking to go slow, be slow.
25:01And let us understand, there are hundreds and thousands of people around.
25:05The fact of the matter is, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the dirty tricks department is such that
25:09they want to make a mountain out of a molehill.
25:12They want to make a situation out of nothing.
25:14They are scared today.
25:15And they are very scared today.
25:17Why are they scared?
25:18I tell you.
25:18This whole event, which is against Gyanesh Kumar, against Modi, against Amit Shah,
25:24and all the wrong activities that they are doing, they are shaken today.
25:28Rahul Gandhi and the force has shaken the living daylights out of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
25:33And now, to take the issue away from the most important crux of it,
25:37they are wanting to do this.
25:38The fact of the matter, let me tell you,
25:40DK Shiv Kumar is the rainmaker of Karnataka.
25:43He is a master administrator, and undoubtedly a chief minister in the reckoning force,
25:49even in the years to come.
25:51Sure, all of that very true, Abbas.
25:53And I'll ask the question of the BJP.
25:55And Rahul Gandhi will stand by him.
25:56But looking at this video, do you think he's been treated with the respect
25:59that a chief minister deserves?
26:04Let us understand, if Rahul Gandhi did not respect Dodla Halli Kempay Gauda Shrift Kumar,
26:11he would have never made him the chief minister in the first place.
26:14And let us understand, they share a great camaraderie.
26:17The Gandhi family and DK Shiv Kumar share an absolutely great camaraderie.
26:22It is the reason why he always says that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka
26:26are more than family to him.
26:28And he is a congressman by birth,
26:31and he will remain a congressman soldier till his last breath.
26:35This is not able to digest by the people of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
26:39So, therefore, they want to make a mountain out of a molehill.
26:43When there is no issue, they want to make an issue.
26:45Only to master the art of distraction politics.
26:48To distract the people from the next prime minister of India, Rahul Gandhi.
26:53Mr. Prashant, your response to Abbas saying that this is nothing but a distraction tactic
26:57from the real issue of SIR.
27:07Mr. Prashant, can you hear me?
27:09Yeah, Akshita.
27:10Now, I just heard what Abbas was trying to speak about
27:14the camaraderie between DK Shiv Kumar and Gandhi family.
27:18Just, I'll show the other side of the video.
27:22Just see.
27:23If this is called Rahul Gandhi requesting DK by pulling him by his collar,
27:30then I think we need not explain anything to Congress or its spokespersons.
27:36Therefore, it is very clear that Rahul Gandhi actually necked out Shiv Kumar.
27:40It is not a BJP versus Congress fight here.
27:43It is the pride of Karnataka because as citizens of Karnataka,
27:49you have to respect the chair and he's the chief minister.
27:52So, therefore, if the chief minister is insulted,
27:55the pride of Karnataka is being insulted.
27:57And that now, today, because Rahul Gandhi is necking out Shiv Kumar,
28:01the Kannada pride and all of that has gone for a toss insofar as Congress is concerned.
28:05And they're only trying to say that Rahul Gandhi can do anything he wants.
28:10DK Shiv Kumar may be a self-confessed devotee of Rahul Gandhi.
28:13But remember, he holds a constitutional post
28:15and that constitutional post deserves respect.
28:18The internal squabbles in Congress may be anything.
28:21But the due respect must be given to the chair,
28:24which Rahul Gandhi definitely does not give.
28:27We've hired people in the Congress in the past have spoken about
28:30after they come out as to how they were treated,
28:32how they were fed biscuits.
28:33They were being given to the docs to them also.
28:36So, on similar points, we know that Rahul Gandhi treats every Congress worker.
28:39Yeah, Abbas, ultimately, you know, this is not an AI video.
28:43It's not manufactured.
28:44You can see what has happened.
28:46Prashant has also shown you another angle of what played out.
28:49Is this how a chief minister should be treated?
28:51He holds an extremely respectful position.
28:54And is this how a chief minister should be treated?
28:59Firstly, Akshita, it warms the cockles of my heart
29:04to see the BJP spokesperson showing so much of love to D.K. Shiv Kumar Ji.
29:10Today, I feel like I'm competing with Congress or a D.K. Laba.
29:14But we respect constitutional posts.
29:17You may not respect constitutional posts.
29:20Your leader Rahul Gandhi can go outside India and be fair.
29:22Okay, now allow me to make my point.
29:24But we will never do that.
29:25Allow me to make my point.
29:26We will never do that.
29:27No, Abbas, you are crossing the line.
29:29You are crossing the line in so far as decency is concerned.
29:32Okay, Abbas, finish your point.
29:33Abbas, finish your point.
29:34So, I'll come to you.
29:37Firstly, Prashant, my dear friend,
29:39D.K. Shiv Kumar Ji has done enough for the party,
29:43enough for the state of Karnataka.
29:45And wholeheartedly, I'd like to thank you and your party
29:47for outpouring your love in such beautiful ways.
29:50I wish you do that for all the good work that he's done.
29:53Secondly, I have been at the opportunity and honor
29:56to meet D.K. Shiv Kumar Ji,
29:58discuss various issues regarding the youth and the education.
30:02No, forget your time with him, Abbas.
30:03But the fact of the matter,
30:05Prashant, hear me out, my friend.
30:07Be patient, it's okay.
30:08Be patient.
30:09The fact of the matter, let us understand.
30:11Let me take a step ahead and share this with you, Akshata Ji.
30:15Today, the Congress Party cannot afford to lose
30:17a dynamic leader like D.K. Shiv Kumar.
30:21They absolutely know his power.
30:22The Karnataka is in power today
30:24is because D.K. Shiv Kumar.
30:26And the ranks that he does.
30:27Why would Rahul Gandhi want to disrespect a leader like this?
30:32Let us understand there have been various videos
30:34where Modiji...
30:34You can't deny the video.
30:36You can't deny the video.
30:37He has...
30:38Alam, sir.
30:39Alam, sir.
30:39Modiji has not even done Pranam to L.K. Advani Ji.
30:43He did not even look at him at the video.
30:45But does that mean Modiji does not care about L.K. Advani?
30:48He does.
30:49But certain videos show a different picture.
30:52If Modiji respects L.K. Advani Ji, let me tell you out front,
30:56D.K. Shiv Kumar is one of the tallest and the strongest leader of the Congress Party.
31:01And Rahul Gandhi holds him as his trump card and an ace.
31:05And nobody, mind you, nobody can take away from that.
31:07Ultimately...
31:08He is Singham of Karnataka.
31:10He is a Singham of Karnataka.
31:11Prashant, sir.
31:12D.K. Shukumar not as a trump card.
31:13Akshita, Rahul Gandhi is using D.K. Shukumar not as a trump card,
31:17but probably as a joker in the pack of cards.
31:20Because that's how he's been treating him.
31:21So, therefore, all this thing about what BJP is doing,
31:25all that we are saying is respect the constitution authority.
31:28Sir...
31:28D.K. Shukumar may be corrupt.
31:29He is corrupt, no doubt.
31:31No, but Prashant, sir, ultimately,
31:32are you making a mountain of a molehill, sir?
31:34Look at the crowds there.
31:35Look at the chaos there.
31:36Akshita, there may be crowds.
31:38Very clearly, D.K. Shiv Kumar is being shoved back and forth, yes.
31:41But you know, that's what happens when so many people come together.
31:45Do you want me to play the video again?
31:46In this crowd, if Rahul Gandhi can neck out D.K. Shiv Kumar,
31:51what does it mean?
31:51He's singling out Shiv Kumar and pulling him by the neck.
31:54And if this is what you're saying,
31:56that it is because of the crowd,
31:57I'm afraid I think we shouldn't be talking on this issue at all.
32:02It is about the respect of the constitutional post.
32:05It is not about...
32:05Just 10 seconds to counter this guy.
32:07Just 10 seconds.
32:09Akshita, 10 seconds.
32:10He's facing trial.
32:12He'll continue to face it off the land.
32:13You just said...
32:14But how the constitutional authorities have to be taken care of the protocols.
32:20Rahul Gandhi cannot sit...
32:21Akshita, you need to give me 10 seconds.
32:2210 seconds.
32:23About 10 seconds and then I'll give Prashant sir a chance to respond
32:26and then I have to wrap this up.
32:27The fact of the matter...
32:28Look at the...
32:29Akshita, look at the duplicity and hypocrisy of the BJP spokesperson.
32:32He's calling him pride of Karnataka in the same breath.
32:35And he's saying he is corrupt.
32:37Sir, make up your mind.
32:38Is he pride of Karnataka?
32:40Dayat, he holds a constitutional post.
32:43Today the BJP is confused.
32:43He holds a constitutional post.
32:45So how is he pride of Karnataka?
32:47We have to respect the chair.
32:47We have to respect the chair.
32:49We have to respect the chair, but not the person.
32:51The person is corrupt.
32:52He is facing corruption charges.
32:54He is out on bail.
33:06Today the BJP is confused.
33:07Thank you very much Mr. Prashant and Mr. Abbaser joining.
33:11Akshita, you have 5 seconds to close.
33:12Akshita, ask 5 seconds to close.
33:14You asked for 5 seconds.
33:15Yes.
33:16D.K. Shukumar as an individual is corrupt and he's facing the trial, he's facing the trial.
33:23I'm sorry, I can't hear anything. I can't hear anything. Gentlemen, my apologies.
33:26I'm going to wrap this up. I'll leave it to the viewers to decide.
33:29The footage is on our screens, they can decide.
33:31Disrespect to D.K. Shukumar or mere chaos that was playing out in that rally that led to D.K.
33:35Shukumar being shoved and pushed aside by Rahul Gandhi,
33:39he then disappears into the crowd. There's the Karnataka Chief Minister there.
33:41And so you've got politicians in Karnataka suggesting that this is huge disrespect to the Karnataka Chief Minister.
33:48We'll leave it to you to decide based on that footage.
33:50But let's talk about the other issue really that's come out after a post by the Kerala Congress yesterday.
33:57The Kerala Congress in a post targeted CGI Suryakanth calling for his resignation and that's triggered a major controversy.
34:06Since then, they've actually deleted that particular post.
34:08But the BGP has accused the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions whenever verdicts go against the party.
34:15The Congress, must be highlighted here, has distanced themselves from that post.
34:25India BGP has moved the Supreme Court against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the special intensive revision but ended up scoring
34:34a self-goal.
34:35The Kerala unit of the Congress posted a social media message calling for the resignation of the Chief Justice of
34:41India, Suryakanth.
34:43While interacting with the media, the CGI had commented that matters concerning law and order did not fall within his
34:50domain.
34:52In response, the Congress unit posted on X and I quote,
34:56Dear Suryakanth, if law and order is not your domain, resign now.
35:00We will find your replacement who can handle it and I unquote.
35:05Though the social media post was deleted later, the damage was already done.
35:09The BGP pounced on the post to slam the Congress.
35:13How they can say that they can decide the new Chief Justice and they want the resignation of the Chief
35:20Justice.
35:21So now the true face of Muslim League, Mao Wadi Congress and their Dimaki Naxal mindset has come in open.
35:30This pungent tweet reflects the crude, crass and uncivilized culture encouraged by Rahul Gandhi.
35:51The Supreme Court Bar Association also condemned the post saying it undermined the dignity of the judiciary.
35:58The Congress distanced itself from the post claiming that the person responsible for the post has been sacked.
36:20The Congress distanced itself from the post, but why was it made in the first place?
36:26After all, the same party is now knocking on the doors of the Supreme Court seeking justice in the SIR
36:31matter.
36:32Bureau Report, India Today.
36:43For the last few days, one Congress MP from Manimpur, Bimal Aikojam, has been in the eye of a storm.
36:51He has been dismissed from JNU where he was a professor after 11 female students filed a sexual harassment complaint.
37:01And the Delhi police has registered an FIR over these allegations.
37:06To respond and break his silence on the issue, I'm joined by Bimal Aikojam, the Congress MP.
37:13I appreciate Mr. Aikojam, you're joining me.
37:16I want to ask you straight, do you accept that this is a very serious charge?
37:2111 female students from the Center for Study of Social Systems filing sexual harassment complaints leading to your having to
37:29leave JNU or being dismissed and a police FIR.
37:32Do you concede that this is extremely grave, serious and that you have much to answer for?
37:39No, I think I would say there has been an absent spectacle that has been going on in the rest
37:47of the country in the name of these charges.
37:50That's my first response.
37:52And I'll tell you that you are saying 11 complainants.
37:57I have the record because you know that under POSAC, since I'm the respondent, I will have all the papers
38:03and others.
38:03There are 15 complainants, including three boys.
38:08That's the first correction.
38:10A lot of lies and outlandist lies have been preached.
38:14And a very serious statutory institutional institutions like ICC has been converted into a kha panchayat.
38:23And one of the classic examples is that you are still saying that 11 complainants.
38:27There are 15.
38:29Sir, whether there are 11 or 15…
38:32No, no, no. One minute, sir. One minute.
38:34When sexual harassment charges take place, at the very least, you're a member of parliament.
38:39Do you think you should be stepping aside till such time as an inquiry is complete?
38:43If you're innocent, you went before a committee of JNU, they are the ones who held you guilty, they've dismissed
38:50you.
38:50Do you feel now that you've become an embarrassment for the party and therefore you should step aside as a
38:55member of parliament?
38:56No, no, no. I'm saying that lies is to be called out first.
39:00But I said that if the respondent is saying that there are 15 complainants, that that shows that there are
39:05factually incorrect lies have been preached.
39:08I am the respondent, not everybody is a respondent. I am the respondent in the case, and I'm saying that
39:14there are 15 complainants, including three boys.
39:17That's the first correction. And two, that's a kha panchayat. How do I say that?
39:22According to post law, Section 16, confidentiality is supposed to be kept. Did that happen? No.
39:30Second, on the 9th, I got a mail at 12.42 saying that the inquiry is closed now. On 9th,
39:39I get this mail.
39:42I didn't get the report, but in the media, people started discussing about dismissal and so on and so forth.
39:48What did the rule and regulation say is when the inquiry's report is submitted, it should be given to the
39:54respondent and the complainant.
39:56And then you have a 30 days, according to rule in UGC, which is available in JNU website, on 9th,
40:03they closed the inquiry on 9th, VC issued the dismissal, despite the fact that there has to be a 30
40:09days window where there is an appeal to the appellant authority, which is the VC.
40:14And after that, she considered one month, then you are supposed to give a 10-day show course notice, this
40:21is UGC rules on post-related issues, which is available on UGC website, on JNU.
40:28How is that in this country, assuming that this process is legitimate and asking me to resign?
40:34Did you give your depositions before the committee? Is it not true that there were witnesses who corroborated these allegations
40:45of sexual harassment?
40:46Did you not give your response to your internal inquiry committee?
40:51Are you saying the entire committee was a khap panchayat, that the entire committee had decided from advance that you
40:56had to be sacked and you had to be removed?
40:58Yes, yes, exactly, that's what. Out of that, that is why I said, if you ever sin, I will be
41:04showing this one day, since they have thrown out everything in the open, I will be throwing out this so
41:09-called complaint and you will realize, I have shown to friends now, and they said that these people should have
41:14been bitten to black and blue for creating this kind of a hangama and lies.
41:19No, are you telling me that, sir? One minute, sir, our viewers should not get confused.
41:24Can I say something? Can I say something?
41:26Yeah, please.
41:27May I say something?
41:28Yes.
41:29See, let me answer this. On the 18th of May, this so-called complaint has been launched, and it was
41:36not addressed to IC.
41:38This is addressed to the dean and the chairperson of CSSS, Jawala Nehru University. The application was not addressed to
41:46IC. Number one, it's a fact, 18th of May. And according to the rule, I have given my written response
41:53on 31st of May.
41:55Then, I have given my physical appearance and deposition on 16th of July. And after a month, they said that
42:02there is a leak. And they are looking into the matter, and there is a media trial. And in the
42:08entire accusation, six, four, great. This is what they have been saying. Ask them to bring out the leak, allegation
42:17nine. Is there anything of that kind?
42:19Are you saying all these girls are lying because the university's internal committee report says…
42:27Just a minute, sir. The incident was not in isolation, but a recurring pattern of inappropriate personal interaction, sexually suggestive
42:35conduct, and unwelcome physical contact. Now, are you saying all these women who've complained are all lying? They've all been
42:42set up?
42:43I think, first correction, you are still using the word women. What did I say? There are 15 complainants, including
42:52three boys. Then why do you say there is 11 girls?
42:56There are 15? I am saying that. I will leave India. I will resign from Indian parliament if you can
43:05prove that there is no 15 complainants.
43:08How many are there? How many are there? How many complaints? I said 15.
43:12I said 15. So isn't that serious? There are… If there are 15 complaints against you, how can you defend
43:19yourself?
43:2215 complainants with three women. If you say that there is 15, if you can prove me wrong, I will
43:30not even blink an eye. I will…
43:37You're saying you will… If it is proven…
43:40The men in India and stay by three boys. After serving this country for three decades, shaping students from Kenya
43:49to Kashmir, if this lies and treatment is meted out to me, I will not blink an eye, leave the
43:57Indian parliament, come here and back home in my home state, and work and die.
44:01Why? I am saying 15 complainants, including three boys. And to your answer, all the things that they are saying,
44:09sex for Mark, show me a paper in the entire IC proceeding. Is that accusation there or not? If you
44:17have proven me right, I will say that you shoot me.
44:21So why have these allegations been made then? Why are these… Is it because you are a…
44:26You should be inquiring into that. No, I'm asking you…
44:28No, I'm asking you…
44:29The appellate authority, JNU's appellate authority is the VC. Why he's going… She's going from one television station to other
44:37telling lies. She said that 300 mails? That means in the last four and a half months, she's writing three
44:43mails every day to me?
44:45Here is the record. There are 43 mails, starting with the first one on 22nd May at 4, 6 p
44:54.m. The last one is they sent me the report of the IC at 11.35 on 9. After everything
45:01was leaked in the press, they sent me the so-called findings to me…
45:06So you're saying this is… You're saying this is politically motivated, but…
45:11No, no. Don't get about it. I want a sensible journalist like you to raise this question. Why is that
45:16section 16 of the POSSEC has been not followed?
45:20You asked why is the rule number 8, regulation 8 of the use issue on POSSEC has not been followed?
45:25Why 30 days window is not given to the person to respond to these findings?
45:30What will you say? What will you say? Why is that the VC doesn't give a 10 days so-called
45:36notice?
45:36Okay, so there is an FIR file… Isn't it a khap panchayat?
45:39Sir, you're saying it's a khap panchayat. Will you cooperate with an independent examination of the relevant statements? Now it's
45:45a FIR. Will you cooperate with the police? Are you confident?
45:48I will do that. Happily, I'll do that. Why they are filing an FIR now? Have you ever come across
45:54this kind of thing? You know why? Because they know that if I challenge the procedural lapses, this finding will
46:02be thrown out.
46:03Sir, that's the thing. Mr. Aiko Jam, you're challenging the procedural lapses, but the substance of the allegations. You're challenging
46:11what's happened on procedure, whether the rules were followed, whether a show cause notice was given, whether a 30 days
46:17window, those are procedures. It is the substantive allegations of sexual misconduct. How will you respond to those?
46:24Sir, I said these are lies, distortions. I'll tell you one cue I'll give you. Once you take a gynecology
46:33course, and doctors say something in the class showing vagina, and then the student goes out and this professor is
46:40talking about vagina and obscenities in the class. What will you call that? Distortion. Check all of the accusations, what
46:50they have done.
46:51If, since they have leaked everything, I dare, the IC, JNU people to leak all the allegations, and then you
47:00will be shocked that such kind of subversion can happen under this BJP government.
47:06You know, you're saying this entire, therefore, was a Khaap Panchayat with BJP influence because you are a Congress MP
47:14in JNU, which you're saying the Vice Chancellor is presumably controlled by the government in power at the centre.
47:20But I want to ask you, all these allegations, substance of procedure, till they are decided upon, possibly when the
47:27police investigation takes place, do you think it is best to step aside as a member of parliament?
47:32Because here is Rahul Gandhi talking about smashing patriarchy, and there is the BJP taking delegation after delegation to president,
47:40street protesting.
47:42Bimal Aiko Jam is an example of how there is, there is sexual, there is a sexual predator, to use
47:48their words, in JNU and indeed as an MP.
47:52How, what will you say? Are you ready to step aside?
47:55No, but two things. I think, you know, the media, I think I expect a little bit more decency and
48:01measured vocabularies from people like you.
48:04I know the other, I know Gossami kind of people, it's a different breed of people.
48:08You know why you use the term complainant and respondent instead of saying accused in sexual harassment, ICC, or POSAC?
48:18There is a difference between sexual offence and sexual harassment.
48:23So the term like predator, sex pain, these are called calling names.
48:28And I'm saying that before even this so-called finding was submitted, you have seen that they have used that
48:34word.
48:35And they said that I've asked for sex in exchange for Mark.
48:38In the so-called disproceeding leakages, did you find that sex for Mark?
48:45And I'm wondering why is that the Indian press is not asking the VC, why you are going out?
48:51Why don't you give this procedural follow-up?
48:54When the procedure is not, you see, truth or false in the modern jurisprudence is through the procedures.
49:02And if the procedure itself is wrong, substance doesn't have any sense.
49:06But I've been waiting, when I challenge these things, the merit of the allegations.
49:12Will you go to court? Will you go to court?
49:14I will come out and I'm saying it.
49:15Mr. Aiko Jam, will you go to court?
49:17We are filing, that is why we are filing a case.
49:21And I still have, despite BJP's subversion of all institutions,
49:25I still have some modicum of trust in Indian judiciary.
49:30And that's what I'm trying to do with.
49:32But Bakika, all the paper that I have in my hand right now,
49:36your allegations, their allegations, one by one, my response,
49:42and people will know that for this, a person has been subjected to such kind of a torture
49:49by abusing the institution for this complaint?
49:53For all this complaint, he has been subjected to this kind of a insult.
49:58A man who has served the nation state, leaving his home state for more than three decades
50:05towards the end of his career.
50:08This is what simply because he becomes a politician and MLA, you are doing it.
50:12I am telling you, Razib, mark my word.
50:15I will live.
50:16Today, I'm saying it.
50:17Today is the first time in my life.
50:19After all these decades of my life on this earth,
50:22I'm saying I will leave Indian parliament without blinking my eyes
50:28if you are able to prove any of these things.
50:31Okay.
50:32And I'm still wishing that why is that Indian media hasn't asked
50:36the procedural lapsismic question?
50:38Why you are so ready to accuse?
50:41Because you think I am morally inferior?
50:44No, no.
50:44You are, everyone, sir, in this country, you are innocent till proven guilty.
50:48I'm not subjecting you to a media trial.
50:50That is what I am saying.
50:51And I will wait to see.
50:53That media trial is not accepted.
50:55There are judgments by high courts and Supreme Court.
50:57Yes, I will wait.
50:57Nobody spoke against that media trial.
50:59Sir, I will wait to see what happens in the court
51:02and how this case proceeds.
51:05But for joining me and giving me your point of view,
51:08I appreciate Bhimal Aiko Jam, you joining me on the show today.
51:13Thank you very much.
51:15My pleasure.